Kosciusko County Community Foundation Recognizes Heart Of Gold Recipients
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Kosciusko County Community Foundation recognized individuals in the community for having “hearts of gold” Thursday night. Forty-nine individuals were recognized at Center Lake Pavilion. There were 10 recipients whose stories were featured. Ami Pitt was recognized for her long-time service to the needy in Kosciusko County. Pitt has coordinated the annual school supply giveaway through Combined Community Services for the past 17 years. For the past 20 years she has been the driving force behind Toy Time, a toy consignment sale. The proceeds of the sale go to CCS to buy new toys for children from low-income families. Gladys Deloe was recognized for directing a nonprofit called Grace In Action U.S.A. to serve the educational and life skill needs of children in poverty. She developed and published a curriculum for children in poverty called LifeTime Learning. Jason Farmer was recognized for plowing out the drives of elderly residents and helped repair the roof of a neighbor’s home when it collapsed. He also helped with roof repairs and snow removal at North Webster Community Center. Scott Nelson is a farmer who serves as a member of the Kosciusko County 4-H Council and the Kosciusko County Cattleman’s Association. During Riley Radio Days, Nelson’s family made a gift of cattle to support children being treated at Riley Children’s Hospital. The proceeds from the sale of the steer were donated to Riley. Al Disbro was recognized for photographing community events and offering advice to young people exploring the art of photography. Stephanie Camargo was recognized for leading a Community Coat Drive that collected and donated 400 coats and blankets for community members in need. Camargo also organized a Heat Up The Night campaign that raised more than $1,300 to help pay utility bills for the needy. Jeff “Hoss” Smith was recognized for his work at Serenity House, a men’s home for those recovering from alcohol and drug addictions. He works with residents of Serenity House to offer hope, encouragement and accountability. Rick Keeven was recognized as a retired attorney for offering free legal advice to clients at CCS who couldn’t otherwise afford it. He is a Court Appointed Special Advocate, volunteer teacher with the Junior Achievement program where he teaches a senior-level economics class and is a member of Warsaw’s Board of Zoning Appeals. Melanie Vanlaningham was recognized for working as an assistant to the principal at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School. At the school she also led Fellowship of Christian Athletes, yearbook and dance club. Dr. Anita Kishan was recognized for serving as a Healthy Families Advisory Council member at Cardinal Services where her medical expertise is shared with young families at risk for abuse and neglect. She also serves on the board of Heartline Pregnancy Center where she advises the medical staff and helped provide program oversite. At her church she leads a group of eight women in a Mentoring Our Moms program. She also offers mentoring to young mothers, has gone on missions trips and provides housing in her home for college students. A Nonprofit of the Year Award was presented to CCS, which was nominated by One Dog at a Time Rescue. CCS established a pet food pantry. A Service Club of the Year Award went to The Warrior Leadership Committee, nominated by Wawasee High School. The Warrior Leadership Committee is a student organization with 60 student members whose mission is to honor and serve those in need in their school and community. Each of the organizations received a Community Foundation grant to help them with charitable projects.
